Both races are well-known for producing a combination of winning favourites and shocks. And they also spark memorable scenes of celebration in the parade-ring, most recently the excitement generated by the victory of the Mick Winters-trained, Davy Russell-ridden Rebel Fitz in last year’s Galway Hurdle.

And the Rebel, successful in Killarney two weeks ago, will be back this week, probably for the Plate on Wednesday.

And the relatively recent history of the Plate is notable for the success of the Mullins family.

The legendary Paddy Mullins, who died in 2010, enjoyed tremendous success at Galway over the years. And he won the Plate on three occasions, with Boro Quarter (1986), The Gooser (1992) and Nearly A Moose (2005).

Three of Paddy’s sons are now successful trainers. And, remarkably, each of them has tasted Galway Plate success.

In 1988, Afford A King triumphed for Tony Mullins. Two years ago, Ireland’s champion jumps trainer Willie won the race for the first time, with the mare Blazing Tempo.

And, 12 months ago, it was the turn of Tom Mullins to strike, with the JP McManus-owned Bob Lingo.

Of course, the name of Curragh trainer Dermot Weld is synonymous with the Galway Festival, since his first success, in the saddle, on Ticonderoga in 1964.

Organisers are hoping crowds are up this year after a small dip in 2012

Klairvimy, in the two-year-old colts’ maiden in 1972, was Weld’s first Festival winner as a trainer. And, in the intervening years, he has amassed a staggering career total of 253 wins at the meeting, achieving 10 successes on five occasions (1993, ’94, ’98, 2001 and 2008) before bettering his own total with 11 wins in 2010.

And, two years ago, Weld smashed his own record in style with an almost unbelievable Festival total of 17 winners.

Last year, he had to settle for nine victories and, although again stressing he’ll have fewer runners than normal this week, the Master of Rosewell House must be respected throughout the week, in every type of race.

Of course, for thousands of racegoers in Ballybrit and revellers in Galway, the quality of the racing action will not be a priority.

For so many, the racing is a social occasion to be enjoyed. And the Ballybrit team, headed by track manager John Moloney, must be congratulated again on its on-going drive to improve facilities for both paying customers and professionals who face a marathon week.

The Festival has expanded over the years from its original two-day format (way back in 1869) to three days (in 1959) to its current format of seven days.

Improved access by road and the underpass which allows traffic to access the car parks in the centre of the track have been a major plus.

The enclosure has continued to expand and, this year, most patrons will access the enclosure via a new entrance building.

And, in the main grandstand, the Corrib Bar and Panoramic Restaurant have been refurbished since last year.

So, after the recent heat-wave, which temporarily distracted people from the continuing economic crisis, the scene is set for another successful Galway Festival.

Given good weather, unlike last year, crowds over the week should hold up well. But the spend, in terms of betting, food and, perhaps, drink, might not hit previous heights.